Star Weekly – Brimbank North West – 24th February 2026

Festival of colour returns

Brimbank is set to come alive with colour, music, and community spirit as the much-loved Holi Festival returns for its third consecutive year.

Women of Brimbank (WOB) founder and president Poonam Singh said the Hindu festival symbolises unity, renewal and the triumph of good over evil.

“It’s a time when people come together to forget differences, build friendships and celebrate life in all its vibrant colours,” she said.

Locals attending can look forward to an exciting program featuring cultural performances, including traditional music and dance, a variety of delicious food options, and the joyful experience of playing Holi with free, eco-friendly colours provided on the day.

“Most of the colours are provided free so that everybody can afford to come and enjoy,” Ms Singh said.

She said the event, which reflects Brimbank’s strong multicultural values, is open to everyone, regardless of cultural background, age, or faith. The festival will run from 11am-3pm on Sunday 8 March at Cyril Clements Reserve, 35 Kings Road, Kings Park.

Rubbish retained

By Sam Porter

Brimbank councillors have pushed back against a council recommendation to reduce the frequency of garbage collection services from weekly to fortnightly, as part of state government-mandated waste reforms.

Under the reforms, from 1 July, 2027, all councils must introduce a standard four-bin system, consisting of garbage, recycling, food organics and garden organics (FOGO), and a new separate glass collection service. Councils are also required to roll out FOGO to all households, expanding the current opt-in service to a universal model.

At the February Brimbank council meeting, officers recommended a system that would reduce general garbage

collections from weekly to fortnightly.

However, councillor Lucy Nguyen and deputy mayor Maria Kerr proposed an amended motion to retain the weekly service.

Cr Nguyen said while modelling may show environmental benefits from moving to fortnightly general waste collection, council needed to consider the practical realities for residents.

“Many families, particularly larger households, young families managing nappies, households supporting people with disabilities and older residents, still generate general waste that cannot easily be stored for two weeks,” Cr Nguyen said.

“This raises real concerns around hygiene, odour, vermin, storage space and especially in higher density housing or

smaller homes.

“By retaining weekly garbage collection while we roll out universal weekly FOGO we can still achieve strong environmental gains through increased organic waste diversion.”

As a result of the amended motion, the four-bin waste model, commencing 1 July, 2027, will not change existing weekly red general waste collections or fortnightly yellow recycling collections.

The FOGO bins will change from the current fortnightly collection to weekly collection, and a monthly collection of purple-lidded glass bins will be added as part of the new model.

Council officers will monitor the performance of the four-bin service annually for three years.

Resident Jenny Isa welcomed the decision to retain weekly garbage services.

“It was a good amendment. I think that speaks volumes because most of the councillors said they have spoken to the community, which is what a council should be doing,” she said.

While Ms Isa supports the garbage collection outcome, she questioned the need for a separate glass bin.

She said she’s worried about increased costs for the service, as well as the additional bin taking up limited space at the multi-unit development where she lives.

Council said residents will receive detailed information before the rollout, outlining the changes and their impacts, alongside a campaign to help households transition.

Community produce stolen

By Sam Porter

Volunteers at Horseshoe Bend Community Group (HBCG) have been left shocked after a large quantity of ripened vegetables were stolen from a community garden.

President Cynthia Frain said the theft was “disheartening”.

“It’s not a community garden in the sense that people can just come and help themselves, especially when volunteers give so much of their time to get the place up and running,” she said.

“It’s not in the spirit of what we’re trying to do.”

HBCG volunteers arrived at the garden

for a harvesting working bee event on Sunday 15 February to find the produce gone.

The community group regularly gives to local charities and had intended to donate the produce to Helping Hands Mission and the Sunshine Salvation Army.

“We’ve donated over 1000 kilograms in produce to Helping Hands and the Salvos,” Ms Frain said.

“We estimated that we had enough produce there to donate substantial amounts. When we got there on Sunday, we realised a lot of the vegetables we’d seen ... that week had been picked.”

While there’s usually somebody at the site watering everyday, Ms Frain said po-

licing the community garden is a difficult task.

She invited locals who were struggling to afford food to approach HBCG directly for help.

“If you are in need, come and join us or even come and visit us at one of our working bees,” Ms Frain said.

She also recommended struggling residents reach out to Helping Hands Mission and the Salvation Army.

Despite the recent setback, the community group is looking ahead to future projects.

“We continue to grow our garden. We’re currently developing a new section with a

Tracie resuscitates a rewarding career

Graduate paramedic Tracie Avion had never interacted with Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics until she witnessed someone go into cardiac arrest about eight years ago.

Seeing crews respond to that case was enough to leave her yearning for a career in paramedicine.

Now approaching the end of her time as a graduate paramedic, Tracie is confident trading her office job for the frontline was the right career move.

Before taking time away from work to raise her children Tracie worked in customer service and administration.

“I thought if I had to go back to work, I wanted it to be more worthwhile and rewarding,” she said.

Tracie enrolled in the paramedicine degree and after graduating, started

with AV in the Medium Acuity Transport Service (MATS) based in Laverton North in January 2025.

After completing her six months with MATS, Tracie moved to the Sunshine branch for the Advanced Life Support (ALS) part of her graduate program.

While she was enjoying her work more than ever before, the transition wasn’t without its challenges, but with support from her family and new colleagues, finding the balance between commuting, shift work and family became a little easier.

Over the past 12 months, Tracie has attended many memorable cases, but one that stays with her is the first interagency response she was part of.

“ The patient had sustained a leg fracture in the bowl of a skatepark, with the

location making access and extrication quite challenging,” she said.

“We had to call in firefighters to complete a high-angle extrication, and I found it fascinating seeing the masses of trucks, ambulances and managers all work as one to help the patient.

“It was rewarding being part of an efficient team who worked together to access and treat the patient, before transporting them promptly to hospital.”

As Tracie approaches the end of her graduate program, her goal is to become the best ALS paramedic she can.

“Looking further down the track, I like the idea of continuing my education but I’m just excited to see what the future holds,” she said.

Friends group wants waterway officially recognised as a creek

Friends of Organ Pipes National Park (FOOP) is calling for the waterway known as ‘Tame Street Drain’ to be officially renamed a creek.

The small country waterway makes its way over 10 kilometres from Diggers Rest into the national park.

FOOP member Robert Irvine said the word ‘drain’ brings connotations of a rubbish-strewn, man-made, concrete structure.

“It’s not just a drain. It’s a waterway for wildlife so it should be valued for the environmental value whereas a drain gives you

the thought of just bottles and stuff washed down, not worthy of anything, whereas we think it is,” he said.

Tame Street itself is about 10 kilometres from the park.

“We just thought [the waterway] really is worthy of something better than being called a drain,” he said.

A Melton council spokesperson said as the Tame Street Drain spans Melton and Brimbank, any proposal to rename it would require involvement from both councils.

sensory garden, a children’s garden and play areas for the children,” Ms Frain said. She added the group is looking at ways to allow more access for people with disabilities.

HBCG plans to restore some of the buildings on the site for community use too.

“The more people we have involved, the more sustainable the project becomes,” Ms Frain said

The community group, now in its fifth year, is always on the lookout for more volunteers.

Details: facebook.com/hsbcommunitygroup

Watergardens parking woes

Residents have raised concerns about illegal parking and a shortage of carparks at the Watergardens precinct.

Brimbank resident Neil Hunichen expressed safety concerns over motorists parking their cars on the grassland area between Watergardens Shopping Centre and the recently opened Watergardens Station car park.

He said the illegal parking posed a safety hazard, particularly during wet weather.

Mr Hunichen also raised concerns about motorists driving over kerbs along the road access between the shopping centre and Kings Road.

“This is resulting in further traffic congestion at Kings Road and Hume Drive,” he said.

A Watergardens spokesperson said fines would apply to those who park on the grassland area.

“Ample signage has been installed directing drivers to designated carparks,” the spokesperson said.

“These measures are designed to improve safety, maintain accessibility and manage demand as part of long-term traffic and parking management plans.”

The spokesperson also confirmed the gravel overflow carpark at 499a Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes was reopened on 5 February.

The gravel carpark was closed late last year after a new 485-space carpark at the southern end of Watergardens Shopping Centre was opened in September.

While the number of commuters parking on the grassland has decreased since the gravel overflow carpark reopened as a paid facility, Mr Hunichen said it remains an issue.

Mr Hunichen and Brimbank resident Bruce Lancashire, a former town planner, believe the long-term solution is to create more carparks at the precinct.

They pointed to another Watergardens car park located on Sydenham Road, west of Watergardens station, suggesting it be developed into a multi-level facility with the adjacent land turned into a bitumen carpark.

“Melton City Council currently has no plans to rename Tame Street Drain,” the spokesperson said.

“Renaming of a topographical feature such as the Tame Street Drain is overseen by Geographic Names Victoria (GNV).

“In considering a request to GNV for renaming, council would generally undertake community consultation to ensure the proposed change is supported by local residents and stakeholders, and a decision may also be required by council.”

At the November council meeting, Brimbank councillors heard that the area of open land was not suitable for car park development as it forms part of the former Mobil Oil site and is heavily contaminated.

Mr Lancashire said he believes the idea has been ruled out too quickly.

“As a civil engineer, areas settle over time, usually about 20 years,” he said.

“There’s absolutely no engineering reason why you couldn’t put in a bitumen carpark.”

He suggested car park expansions could be funded by the revenue generated from the gravel overflow carpark.

School campaign ramps up

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Families, educators and disability advocates across Melbourne’s west are calling on the state government to commit to building a new special development school (SDS), warning the region is facing a critical shortage of specialist school places.

Community leaders say existing schools are operating at or beyond their capacity, leaving many students with disabilities without access to appropriate, local and inclusive education.

Advocacy group Equality for Autism is currently calling for 10,000 signatures to secure a new special developmental school for Melbourne’s west.

“Every child deserves access to a safe, supportive, and well-resourced learning environment,” Equality for Autism chairperson and co-founder Jeff O’Donnell said.

“Right now, families in Melbourne’s west are being left behind. The lack of specialist school infrastructure is forcing students to travel long distances or miss out on the tailored support they need to thrive.”

According to advocates, Sunshine’s Special Development School has a capacity of 200, while Yarraville’s SDS has a capacity of 85 students

A new specialist school in Aintree was also opened by the state government in 2024.

Melton MP Steve McGhie said he supported the calls for new specialist schools.

“I am a strong advocate for a special development school in the west,” Mr McGhie said.

“I have advocated for one in Melton and I am sure it is being considered by government.”

Community representatives said the limited capacity is particularly concerning given rising diagnoses of severe to profound disabilities among children in the region.

Special development schools provide tailored programs for students with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities and complex needs. They offer specialised teaching, allied health support and purpose-built facilities designed to

help students reach their full potential.

The campaign is calling on the state government to commit funding for a new SDS in Melbourne’s west, while also engaging with families and educators during the planning process in a bid to ensure the school is appropriately resourced to meet current and future demand.

Mr O’Donnell said the push was not politically motivated.

“We are not attacking the Victorian state government as this issue should be a bipartisan issue with everyone

supporting this goal,” he said. “Building a new special development school is not just an investment in infrastructure. It’s an investment in inclusion, equity, and the future of our community.”

A state government spokesperson said specialist schools across the west are benefiting from upgrades.

Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said she supports the Equality for Autism group.

Petition: https://www.parliament. vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/ new-special-developmental-school-formelbournes-west

Search goes on for killer

Thirty-two years ago, 79-year-old Leah Buck was attacked and robbed in Williamstown in broad daylight. The severe injuries she sustained would result in her death the following day. Her attacker remains unidentified and the case is still unsolved with police issuing a $1 million reward for information relating to the murder. Sam Porter looks back on the cold case.

In September 1994, about 150 people attended a service at Altona Memorial Park crematorium to pay their respects to Leah Buck, one week after her tragic murder.

At the service the reverend told of how Mrs Buck, who raised three children on her own, was a courageous woman.

“She was extremely independent. She loved to walk along The Strand to feed the seagulls or have a yarn with someone up the street,” the reverend said, according to a Williamstown Advertiser article at the time.

“She had a big heart and a big welcome for anyone who came. She was a great spirit; a great Australian woman who was loved by all who knew her.”

Advertiser journalist Elisabeth Tarica, who wrote the article, was present at the funeral.

She was invited by Mrs Buck’s family who hoped ongoing media coverage might help lead to the perpetrator’s arrest.

Ms Tarica described the “overwhelming shock and sadness that swept through the community”.

“Everyone present [at the service] seemed to be grappling with the senselessness of Leah’s loss, and there was little conversation as people paid their respects in quiet solidarity,” she said.

“It was clear that the pain ran deep, not just for Leah’s loved ones but for the whole community which was feeling the sadness, shock and anger.”

The previous week, on Tuesday 20 September, about 12.30pm, Mrs Buck mentioned to a family member she had an appointment with a local optometrist.

About two hours later, she was seen by a witness pushing a shopping trolley towards a friend’s home on Dover Road, Williamstown.

Investigators believe she had also just left the optometrist.

At about the same time, a second witness found Mrs Buck, disorientated and bleeding, kneeling against a brick wall along Dover Road, her shopping trolley lying next to her.

Mrs Buck repeatedly told the person something had hit her, according to the witness.

Mrs Buck, who had sustained several severe injuries to the back of her head as a result of the attack, was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery.

She fought for her life for 12 hours and then sadly died.

On the day Mrs Buck was attacked, a similar incident was also recorded in the neighbouring suburb of Newport about 30 minutes earlier.

Seventy-three year old Elizabeth Davies was robbed on Newcastle Street, also found lying on the ground with head injuries.

Police were investigating whether there was a link between the two incidents and another in Sunshine that occurred on the same day, according to the news article by Ms Tarica published on 28 September, 1994.

Ms Tarica said the attacks and Mrs Buck’s subsequent death left the close-knit Williamstown community deeply shaken.

“There was a palpable sense of fear, with many genuinely worried for the safety of their loved ones,” she said.

“As a local, I was worried for my own mother and grandmother, whose daily routines – shopping or running errands – mirrored those of the two victims. The community, feeling anxious and vulnerable, began taking extra precautions and looking out for one another.”

Ms Tarica said her colleague was writing about similar incidents in the western suburbs at the time but there was no evidence to connect them.

A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed there was a spate of incidents reported in and around the western suburbs, about the time of Mrs Buck’s death, where elderly women had been targeted in a similar manner.

“In these cases, the victims were struck from behind and had their handbags and purses stolen,” the spokesperson said.

“To this day, investigators have been unable to establish any link between these incidents however it has not been ruled out.”

In the Sunshine Western Suburbs Advocate, Ms Tarica’s colleague Deborah Gough wrote a story about three violent bag snatchings in St Albans and one in Albion that occurred during the same month.

The story appeared the same week Ms Tarica’s article on Mrs Buck’s murder was published.

Of the incidents in Ms Gough’s report, the most serious occurred in Albion where a 67-year-old woman was targeted after

catching the train from Sunshine to Albion Station.

The offender hit the woman over the head and stole money from her.

The other attacks on the three women in St Albans occurred in separate incidents, all taking place at the rear of the Safeway (Woolworths) car park after they had finished their shopping.

They were aged 72, 55 and 39 years old at the time.

The 72-year-old was walking home when a man ran past her and snatched her bag, according to the report.

She pursued him however he was able to get away by jumping a fence.

The 55-year old woman was pushed over by an aggressor who demanded she hand over her handbag, Ms Gough reported.

Police at the time believed the three St Albans incidents were linked, according to Ms Gough’s article.

Three decades later and no one has been charged with Mrs Buck’s murder despite significant investigations.

Quoted in the 1994 article by Ms Tarica was Mrs Buck’s granddaughter, Coreena Price.

“You could prepare yourself to cope with her death if it was a heart attack but not something like this. She was bashed senseless,” Ms Price said.

“My nan didn’t have a say whether she wanted to live or die – they made that choice for her.”

Reflecting on the conversation with the family, Ms Tarica said she was grateful to Mrs Buck’s daughter and granddaughter for taking the time to speak with her during their period of grief.

“Both were incredibly generous in sharing their experiences despite the emotional toll and grief. The family wanted to keep Leah’s story in the public eye to encourage someone with information to come forward and I am sad that it is still unresolved,” she said.

According to police, Mrs Buck’s family have never given up hope that the person who attacked their loved one would be found.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers. vic.gov.au

Fines over underpaid staff

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has secured a total of $112,985 in penalties against the former operators of three Cash Converters stores in Melbourne’s north and west.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court imposed a total of $94,175 in penalties against SNNB Enterprises ($49,500), Taylors Business ($24,875) and Yarraville Business ($19,800), which operated Cash Converters stores at Epping, Delahey and Yarraville, respectively.

In addition, the sole director of the three companies, Graeme Grainger, was penalised $18,810.

The penalties were imposed in response

to the companies’ deliberate failure to comply with compliance notices requiring them to calculate and back-pay seven fulltime workers’ entitlements.

Mr Grainger was involved in the contraventions, the FWO said.

Fair Work inspectors issued the companies with compliance notices between November 2022 and February 2023 after forming a belief they had underpaid the seven affected workers, who had been engaged as store managers, retail employees and shop assistants.

The inspectors formed a belief the companies had failed to pay the workers’ accrued but untaken annual leave

entitlements at the end of their employment, and had underpaid five of the workers’ minimum wages for work performed during 2022.

The combined amount the companies were required to pay the workers to comply with the compliance notices was $58,605, with required payments to individual workers ranging from $2972 to $16,833.

The three stores have now closed.

The court also ordered the companies to comply with the compliance notices, including rectifying any outstanding entitlements, plus interest.

It was the second time the FWO has taken legal action against Yarraville Business.

Brimbank scientist nominated for award

Brimbank resident Yemima Ehrnst has been nominated for the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards (YAA) for her work furthering investigations in green energy.

As part of her post-doctoral research at RMIT University, Ms Ehrnst’s research explores green energy reactions in the unique field of acousto-electrochemistry.

The research has the potential to significantly advance renewable energy solutions.

“I was looking into how I can manipulate electrochemical reactions with acoustics … chemical reactions with sound waves,” Ms Ehrnst said.

“We’re just seeing how that external stimuli, that extra energy, is changing the reaction.”

The research methods, which Ms Ehrnst describes as “novel” and “out-of-thebox”, focus on water-splitting to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

Ms Ehrnst’s innovative research methods have resulted in her being named inventor on two patents.

Her academic papers, written in collaboration with colleagues, have been recognised internationally in scientific journals with her work also helping to secure significant research grants for the team.

Ms Ehrnst said she is driven by curiosity and that she enjoys the academic side of her research as well as the more physical elements that involve hands-on engineering.

According to Ms Ehrnst, climate change, mainly driven by fossil fuel–based energy, continues to pose one of the greatest environmental threats globally.

“It’s a very energy conscious perspective that we need to have now,” she said.

“There’s a lot of processes out there at the moment that could be a lot greener if they’re done in a different way”.

The 7NEWS YAA winners will be announced on 1 May.

Ambulance response times increase slightly in Brimbank

Ambulance response times in Brimbank increased slightly during the last quarter, according to the latest data released by Ambulance Victoria (AV).

In the October to December period, Brimbank patients waited nine seconds longer on average for emergency code one cases, a total average wait time of 14 minutes and 49 seconds.

Despite the increase in ambulance response times, the percentage of callout responses in the municipality within 15 minutes increased 0.6 per cent to 69.1 per

cent. There were 3123 first responses in Brimbank in the October to December period, down 51 from the previous quarter.

The average emergency response time in Brimbank was better than the statewide average of 15 minutes and 40 seconds.

Despite this, the statewide average was still six seconds faster when compared with the previous quarter.

AV acting executive director regional operations Michael Georgiou said the improvement was achieved despite

The company was penalised $16,000 in court in 2024 for also failing to comply with a compliance notice which required it to calculate and back-pay entitlements to a worker.

In her judgement, Judge Heather Riley found that the failure to comply with the compliance notices was “deliberate” and she said that regardless of a company’s size employers needed to comply with compliance notices. Judge Riley said assertions by Mr Grainger that if he had his time again he would do things differently did not amount to a “genuine or heartfelt expression of remorse … they were just an opportunistic and formulaic use of words”.

Police briefs

Teens arrested

Police have arrested five teenagers after an incident where a male was allegedly assaulted and dragged into a vehicle before being involved in a pursuit across Melbourne’s western suburbs on 18 February. It is alleged a man was walking along Harrier Circuit in Deanside when he was assaulted by four male offenders and dragged into a Toyota Camry sedan about 8.30am. The Toyota continued along Taylors Road with all five occupants, where police pursued the vehicle through Caroline Springs and back into Deanside. Police then deployed Stop Sticks on Neale Road, before the car crashed into a pole on Hopkins Road in Truganina. The five male occupants of the Toyota were arrested at the scene, including the boy who was forced into the vehicle. Police say the incident appears targeted at this stage, and those involved are known to each other.

Drugs charges

A 48-year-old Sunshine North man and a California Gully man have been charged as part of an investigation into alleged drug trafficking in the Bendigo area. Police were originally called to a department store at Pall Mall, Bendigo, where two bags had been left unattended on 6 February. The bags were searched, and police located a large amount of cash and drugs, however no arrests were made. Detectives continued to investigate the incident and on Monday 16 February they intercepted a black Mercedes on the Calder Highway. The vehicle was searched and police seized what is alleged to be methylamphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, Xanax, testosterone tables, ketamine and cash. The Sunshine North man was arrested and charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence. On 18 February police observed a Black Amarok Ute parked at Albert Richardson Reserve in Bendigo about 1am. Police conducted a search of the vehicle and located what is alleged to be methylamphetamine, GHB, ecstasy, heroin and $6000 cash. Police will allege the incidents are linked.

ongoing high demand for the most critical ‘lights and sirens’ emergency cases.

He said the support of the community can also help save lives.

“There are many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice, at any time of the night or day – but not an emergency ambulance or calling triple-0, including the VVED and Nurse-on-Call,” Mr Georgiou said.

“Local Urgent Care Clinics, GPs and pharmacists are also great options.”

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BECAUSE OUR WATER STORAGES ARE DROPPING

With drier seasons and growing towns, Victoria’s water supply is under pressure. This summer make every drop count.

Briefs

Free CPR presentation

Brimbank locals can join Ambulance Victoria for a friendly and helpful session about keeping young children healthy and safe. The ’call, push, shock’ (CPR) presentation, for parents, carers, and anyone who looks after young children, will cover common illnesses in young children and the signs to look for, simple first aid, ways to prevent illness, and when and where to get medical help. Health services that can help families, including doctors, community health services, and emergency care, will also be discussed. The free session will run from noon-1.30pm on Friday 27 February at Westvale Community Centre, 45 Kings Road , Kings Park. Register: shorturl.at/ziHhd

Ardeer grassfire

Firefighters responded to a grassfire on Ballarat Road in Ardeer on the afternoon of Tuesday 17 February. Crews arrived on scene to find a grass and scrub fire burning across an area approximately 100m by 200m. A community warning was issued for smoke in the area and police and paramedics were on scene to assist. The fire was deemed under control at 4.23pm, according to Vic Emergency.

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My name is Katy Lawley, and I am proud to be the Acting Principal at Burnside Primary School. Since joining the school community as Assistant Principal in 2021, I have had the privilege of working alongside a passionate and dedicated team committed to supporting every child’s growth and success.

At Burnside, we believe true success comes from nurturing both the mind and the whole child. Our dual focus on academic excellence and student wellbeing ensures students are challenged and inspired in the classroom while feeling emotionally and socially supported. We are proud to achieve the strongest NAPLAN results in our network and wider area and continue to maintain these outstanding outcomes through rigorous, evidence-based instruction and high expectations for every learner. Our teaching practices emphasise strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, explicit instruction, and continuous improvement. Wellbeing remains at the heart of everything we do. We foster excellence, inclusion, and respect by working closely with families to ensure each student feels confident and connected. At Burnside, students are at the centre of all we do and I look forward to continuing on our journey.

BURNSIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL

35 Lexington Drive Burnside Vic P: 03 8578 6310 | E: burnside-ps@education.vic.gov.au

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Overcome loneliness: Connect and thrive in your community

Loneliness is something that can quietly creep in as we get older. Life slows down, routines change, and the world feels a little quieter than it used to. Friends might move away, loved ones get busy, and some days can feel longer than they once did.

At Centennial Living, we see this transformation every day. Residents often talk about how village life helped them find new joy, purpose, and friendships they never expected. Here are a few ideas that can help you overcome loneliness in old age and feel more connected to your community.

Redefine Your ‘Community Hub’

For most of our lives, work gives us structure and daily interaction. Once we retire, that social routine disappears, and suddenly the days can feel a little too quiet. This is why creating a new kind of community hub is so important.

A retirement village makes this easy. There, connection occurs naturally and at Centennial Living villages activities are arranged to foster that connection. Maybe you see someone on your morning walk, enjoy morning tea with them in the village community centre, or find people to go with you to an art group or other hobby group. Those small moments add up to something great: a real sense of community.

Group Hobbies and Classes

Taking part in group activities is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to overcome loneliness in old age. When you share an interest with others, conversations happen easily and friendships form without effort. You might join a gentle fitness class like yoga or Tai Chi or try water aerobics at the local pool. If you enjoy creative outlets, book clubs, painting groups, or choirs can

be wonderful ways to socialise while doing something you love.

In Centennial Living villages, residents often say these shared experiences are what bring real joy to their days. Whether it is a gardening group or a music session, there is

always something to look forward to.

Loneliness may feel heavy, but it need not define this stage of life. New friendships and moments of joy are everywhere with a little courage and the right village community.

Get in touch with our team at Centennial

Living on 1300 098 000 or fill in the contact us form on the website - www.centennialliving.com.auto book a village tour and see our facilities.

Note village visits, tours or display unit viewings are by appointment only.

An adventurous role

By Cade Lucas

Williamstown’s Andy Griffiths is one of Australia’s popular children’s authors with his books such as the Treehouse series and the BUM trilogy selling more than 20 million copies worldwide.

Given his obvious connection with young readers, it’s no surprise that Griffiths has been chosen to represent them by being named the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2026 and 2027.

Taking over from the outgoing Sally Rippen, and following in the footsteps of previous laureates such as Morris Gleitzman, Jackie French and Leigh Hobbs, Griffiths will act as a national ambassador for Australian children’s literature and reading.

Reacting to his appointment on Tuesday 10 February, Griffiths said he was honoured

to have been chosen for the role.

“My passion for connecting children to the power of books, reading and literacy has been the driving force for my work as a children’s author over the past three decades and the Laureateship is both an opportunity to extend that work and, at the same time, to be a proud representative and advocate for the vibrant community of equally passionate Australian children’s book creators,” he said.

Appointed every two years, each Children’s Laureate has a particular mission for their term, with Griffith’s being: ‘Reading is an Adventure’.

“Reading has always been an adventure to me,” he said. “As a child, books were like portals to other worlds that I might never otherwise have visited—or even imagined.

As Australian Children’s Laureate for 2026 and 2027, I’m looking forward to

travelling to every state and territory to share some of my favourite ways to have adventures with words, pictures and ideas in the hope that I can encourage as many young people as possible to experience the horizon-expanding and life-enhancing joys of reading, writing, drawing and imaginative play.”

Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation chairman Bruce Ellis said the organisation was thrilled to have Griffith take on the role.

“Andy creates a world where reading is an adventure and we can’t wait to see what amazing adventures he has over the next two years,” Ellis said.

Griffith’s laureate program will be launched on 24 February, the same day his latest book, LET’S GO is released through Pan Macmillan.

Details: www.childrenslaureate.org.au

Jumpstarting young drivers

A new program will help young people from refugee backgrounds learn to drive.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne announced the launch of the L2P Refugee Pilot Program, which will assist young learner drivers involved in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s Refugee Minors Program.

Over the 12-month pilot, eligible learners will be matched with volunteer mentors from Kinetic – one of Melbourne’s major transport operators – to help them build essential road knowledge and log the driving hours required to obtain their probationary licence.

“We’re delighted to support this new pilot as part of the TAC L2P program and assist in teaching young refugees about road safety and putting that knowledge into practice,” Ms Horne said. “The connections formed between mentors and learners is vital in building confidence, independence and engagement with the wider community.”

Building on the existing TAC L2P model, the pilot helps overcome key barriers faced by young refugees who may not have access to a car or a fully licensed driver to support their learning.

The program is focused on collaboration and community connection, benefiting learners while strengthening relationships between mentors and young people across Melbourne.

Kinetic managing director Matthew Campbell welcomed the partnership.

“At Kinetic, we believe in using our resources and people to make a real difference in the communities we serve,” he said. “This pilot is a natural extension of that commitmentconnecting our team members directly with young refugees to help them build the skills and confidence they need to thrive independently in Australia.”

Details: transport.vic.gov. au/road-and-active-transport/ registration-and-licensing/licences/ learner-permit/tac-l2p-learner-drivermentor-program

Getting into the groove

Brimbank locals enjoyed an afternoon of ballroom dancing at Sydenham Neighbourhood House.

The classes, offered by Brimbank council, are for all levels, giving those new to ballroom dancing the opportunity to give it a try, while experienced dancers can continue building on their skills. Council said the classes offer community members the chance to share

the joy of movement in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Sessions run every Monday during school terms from 1.30-3.30pm and varying level classes on Thursdays from 12.15–4.30pm, at level 1, 1 Station Street, Watergardens Town Centre, Taylors Lakes.

Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski dropped by to capture the fun.

A more sustainable Bali

By Kylie Mitchell-Smith TRAVEL WRITER/PODCASTER www.travellingsenorita.com

BALI has always been a popular ‘go to’ destination for antipodeans, and more recently the World.

Tourists are now travelling far and wide for some of that island magic.

The island is steeped in tradition with a large Hindu population, who are some of the kindest, most patient people on the planet-where nothing (like two-hour traffic jams) is too much trouble.

It is home to more than four million people, the main industry is tourism, followed closely by manufacturing and trade exporting.

Bali is also a popular destination for entrepreneurs and expats to call homenaturally beautiful with vibrant beach clubs and a burgeoning food scene that spans Uluwatu to Cangguu.

But with the tourist trade and population growing rapidly the need for a sustainable tourism model is imperative-for the local people and the natural environment.

Finns Beach Club-a mega beachfront club with pools, restaurants, dancefloors and roaming performers-is one business taking its responsibility for keeping the beaches clean, seriously.

From launching a solar powered rubbish collecting beach robot, to funding the first air and sea rescue helicopter to sponsoring Stella’s Child-an organisation that educates and integrates Balinese youth into businesses.

Just up the road Potato Head is following suit, with circular creations, turning rubbish into usable art.

Bali-owned and operated, Ini Vie Hospitality group employs local people, preserves the natural environment and upholds the islands cultural traditions. From the intimate garden villas at Monolocale to the luxurious, local design of Sini Vie Seminyak to the thriving gardens (and monkeys) of Kamala Ubud-with newly opened Habitat Bistro, a showcase of the surrounding food bowl.

Catch a ferry from Padang Bai on the mainland to Gili Air, for an authentic and serene island experience.

There’s an array of accommodation options from Captain Coconuts- traditional Javanese rooms and bamboo lodges-to Santorini a newly opened beachfront hotel and Greek restaurant. The remote island has grown in popularity, but no cars or motorbikes are allowed, and there’s a waste management program to deal with the Islands rubbish.

Back on the mainland visit the latest

foodie destination, Uluwtatu- known for its epic surf, clifftop abodes and supersized beach clubs- there’s an expat scene driving a culinary change.

‘Artisan’ is a Bali born brunch café that has industrial styled venues with a touch of the tropics-serving quality local coffee, baked bread and fresh garden salads.

Up the street is Papi Sapi, all about fire and flavour, pairing high quality meats and seafood with bold sauces in a laid-back setting. Across the road is Kala, a stylish dining experience inspired by the Mediterranean- smells of sizzling haloumi and lamb kofta waft out of the open plan kitchen.

There’s a buzz about Uluwata, although it’s changing rapidly, there’s a sense of community where innovation and design are considered. Lyvin Melasti Villas, a sanctuary set high above Melasti Beach, is a property that flows seamlessly with nature. Stay tuned for the opening of their signature restaurant and spa later this year.

Head into the hills of Ubud, to Syrco Base by talented Chef Syrco Bakker. A culinary destination, with a regenerative garden, cooking workshop space, contemporary dining and artisan shop- showcasing local talent. Syrco Base is the future of food in Bali, nurturing young talent and community-a place that invites you to eat

and live more consciously.

Local organisations such as Sungaiwatch are on a mission to stop plastic going into the ocean and river inlets. They actively remove rubbish built up on the land that ends up blocking the waterways, leaving lasting impacts on the environment particularly in the wet season.

A more sustainable Bali starts with the locals and ends with the tourists, it’s up to us to respect the deep history of the island and leave a light travel footprint. Bali is one of the world’s treasures, a wellness destination that’s blessed with kind people-treat her well.

EAT-

Syrco Base, Ubud Kala, Uluwata Santorini, Gili Air Bar Vera, Canggu PLAY-

Finns Beach Club

Tropical Tempataion Beach Club Gili Air

STAYSantorini, Gili Air Monolocale Resort, Seminyak Lyvin Melasti Villas, Bukit Kaamala Resort, Ubud

Full-Board River Elegance

3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing

Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse

Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat

Taste Riverland food and wine

Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour

Iconic Experiences, Expertly Escorted

Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including: Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor

centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement

2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase National Park

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PARIS TO THE SWISS ALPS

Paris to Zurich or vice versa

Explore Roman Trier and taste Moselle Rieslings in Bernkastel-Kues. Sail past Sankt Goar and the Lorelei Rock. Visit fascinating Worms and historic Heidelberg.

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Sail Europe’s most iconic rivers: the Main, lined with quaint villages; the castle-studded Rhine; and the Moselle with its steep vineyards.

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Death of a stand-over man

Williamstown

historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she tells the tale of the death of Footscray’s Malcolm McLean Appleby Esq.

Around Footscray and its environs in late 1947, rumour had it that the local wallopers had declared open season for anyone who wished to rid the world of Malcolm McLean Appleby Esq, notorious resident of Eleanor Street, Footscray.

Initially believed to have been a victim of an exceptionally nasty brawl the day before, Appleby was found by Constable Aubrey Conn shortly before midnight on 28th November 1947, lying unconscious with a fractured skull in the doorway of the Railway Hotel in Nicholson Street. By his side was a bloodstained ten shilling note. The policeman summoned an ambulance, positive that Appleby had either been donged over the head by a beer bottle or kicked by hooligans who relished the jolly pastime of sinking the boot. It was only when the injured man was admitted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital that X- rays showed the true cause of injury: a bullet to the back of the head.

He couldn’t be interviewed, and quietly died the following day.

It wasn’t the first time that Mr Appleby had been the target of shooting practice conducted by the underworld. In 1945, Harry Hinge, of Droop Street, Footscray, was charged with wounding with intent to murder following some minor unpleasantness over a game of two-up. Poor Harry’s aim wasn’t in top form; his victim survived the shots to his groin, dobbed Harry in, and had the satisfaction of seeing him in court.

It is rare that crooks and police are in accord, but in Appleby’s case, they were solidly united. Neither side wanted him in Footscray or anywhere else in Australia. A former boxer, now full-time gambler, he had a reputation for extreme violence in his chosen profession of bash artist and stand-over man. He also possessed a volcanic temper and a squad of goons who were more than happy to deal out exemplary punishments to those who upset their boss.

Appleby had respect for neither sex nor age and delighted in seeing people visibly tremble in his presence. He had clocked up convictions for assault and enjoyed the prestige accorded to those who beat manslaughter charges. Doubtless there were many crimes for which he had never been charged; people were too terrified of Appleby to mention the many feuds and fights in which he was an active and enthusiastic participant. Denizens of Footscray kept their own counsel rather than have the goon squad, or even worse, Appleby in person, paying them a nocturnal visit with malice aforethought. Wherever illegal betting occurred, Appleby was sure to be there, either running the show or betting impressive sums, especially at Baccarat and two-up. He was best mates with the local SPs and the mere mention of his name was sufficient to persuade welshers to pay up. Not that Appleby eschewed lawful gambling; he loved a bet on the horses, but controlling his own private fiefdom in the sleazy dives of the underworld was more to his liking.

On the day of his death, he had won a plump sum at the Packenham Races, as witnessed by his friends, Joseph McNulty,

Thomas Buckley, Clarence McGlynn and Roy Clarke, who likewise enjoyed a legal flutter. Following their wins, they had a few drinks then returned to Footscray.

Never shy about his successes in life, and knowing that nobody in their right mind would dare take his cash from him, Appleby let several people know about his winning streak.

Sometime between 11.30 pm and 11.45 pm, somebody in Nicholson Street shot Appleby at close range in the back of his head. He had been walking with Buckley and McGlynn ahead of him, and Clarke and McNulty behind him, according to eyewitnesses and the men themselves. Appleby collapsed into the doorway of the pub, which just happened to be a stone’s throw from one of the many gambling dens in the area.

The men ran for their lives up Nicholson Street, shouting at passersby, “Did you see that?” Wisely, nobody had seen or heard a thing.

The men’s suspicions fell on McNulty, the other three thinking that he must have done it, though none had noticed any firearm. McNulty denied it. Why would he

shoot a mate?

Others thought McNulty the most likely culprit. Seven armed detectives unsportingly raided the men’s homes whilst they were lost in peaceful slumber, and hauled them into Footscray Police Station to be charged with the murder.

The news shot around Footscray. Not a single tear was shed. Many openly celebrated in the pubs. “He had it coming… About time….He deserved it… No loss... Good riddance..”

The little sadness that was expressed came from those who felt that whoever had murdered Appleby had done Footscray a public service, and nobody should be punished for that.

The inquest was well attended, with eyewitnesses happily giving their various angles. Several people, including Roy Clarke, mentioned that the police had announced an open season for anyone who killed this widely hated thug. The Court frowned. “Did you hear this from the police themselves?” The replies were in the reluctant negative.

The coroner’s task was an unenviable one. Robbery was not, as first thought,

the motive. The bloodied ten shilling note found by Constable Conn was proof of that. Three men who had been hanging around near the doorway of the pub had seen the victim fall, but not who had shot him. A woman had heard a shot at around 11.45 pm, but hadn’t seen the shooter . Great was the relief of the friends and families of the three accused when the City Coroner, Mr Burke, announced that although McNulty probably had some involvement in the crime, there was insufficient evidence to try him, or the others. He could not make a finding against them.

To the delight of the underworld and Victoria’s uniformed and plainclothes police, Mr Burke gave his finding that Malcolm McLean Appleby had been “… feloniously slain by persons unknown.”

On 17th December 1947 at the City Court, just in time to enjoy Christmas, all charges against McNulty, Buckley and McGlynn were struck out and a jubilant crowd hurried off to party. And if the pubs ran dry, nobody needed to worry. There were still plenty of sly groggers in Footscray.

Concerns over pork plant

By Sam Porter

A new application for a pork rendering facility in Laverton North has raised concerns among Brimbank residents, who fear it could worsen ongoing odour issues in the area.

Submitted by JBS Pork Pty Ltd to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the application requests permission to construct the facility at 52-58 Pipe Road, which would neighbour the company’s current abattoir facility.

It comes as residents in the Sunshine area continue to report a strong odour believed to be coming from one or more meat-pro-

cessing plants in Brooklyn — an odour they describe as resembling rotting meat.

Brimbank resident Liz Barrow said she would prefer the proposed facility to be built further away.

“The fact that [the EPA] can’t even identify the source of the current odours… I’d say it’s pretty concerning that [the facility] is even being considered,” Ms Barrow said.

“These odours severely impact the health and wellbeing of residents on a daily basis. We are unable to leave our homes, or when the odour is so strong that it is in our homes, it is inescapable and we have to leave the area.”

As reported by Star Weekly, JBS Australia was fined more than $7500 by the EPA in 2016 for allowing a manure-like odour to leave its Brooklyn site.

The proposed plant in Laverton North is set to only process porcine by-products and do so at a rate of 15 tonnes per hour.

A JBS Pork Australia spokesperson said the new facility would feature a full-capture odour control system that treats 100 per cent of process and ventilation air through engineered biofilters, along with enclosed material transfers to prevent odour-prone products from being exposed to the open air.

Sunshine-inspired bags hit the NGV

A collection of handcrafted bags inspired by the suburb of Sunshine have been picked up by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) design store.

Artist Olive Gilbert, who grew up in the western suburbs, said her ‘Sunshine bags’ are known for their bold colours.

“I just think [Sunshine] is so vibrant and there’s always so much happening in the shops and on the streets,” Gilbert said.

“[The bags] have come from humble suburban beginnings.”

Under her handmade bag label Olive Made, Gilbert creates the bags us-

ing a macrame technique and heroes rope sourced from hardware and variety stores.

While Gilbert has honed her skills in sewing and bag-making over the past 10 years, the rope bags were explored and developed as part of her 2024 residency with Brimbank council in Sunshine.

“It’s so important when councils and spaces offer those opportunities for artists to be able to explore,” Gilbert said.

“After spending the summer [during the residency] trying a few techniques it was a particular style I was interested in

… the square knots with the ropes.”

The ‘Sunshine bags’ are on sale at the NGV design store as part of the gallery’s ‘Westwood and Kawakubo’ fashion exhibition.

Gilbert said she was stoked when learning about the opportunity.

She collaborated with the NGV to create 50 bags in a hot pink, red, and khaki black colour scheme to match the exhibition’s aesthetic, all while caring for her 11-month old daughter.

“It was the first time having to juggle that,” she said.

“JBS Pork Australia is committed to operating responsibly and supporting community amenity in Melbourne’s west,” the spokesperson said.

“Our goal is simple: a state-of-the-art facility that supports local jobs and industry while protecting community amenity.

“We are working closely with EPA Victoria and [Wyndham] council and will continue to engage the community as we progress the project“.

The EPA invited community members to look at the proposal and submit feedback by 11 March.

Visit: shorturl.at/Albyw

Council adopts social framework

Brimbank council has adopted a new social justice framework, which it said will help create a more fair, inclusive and supportive community. The framework, for the years 2026-2029, was adopted at the February council meeting after community consultation last year.

Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos said the framework articulates council’s approach to social justice, and treating everyone with fairness, respect and equality.

“It recognises that people’s experiences, where they live, and their stage of life can either support or act as a barrier to equality,” Cr Tachos said. “We are committed to making sure everyone in Brimbank has the same access to assistance and opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances. One example is the new ‘social inclusion action group’, which aims to reduce isolation and bring people together to support local wellbeing and mental health. The social justice framework will also shape how council plans and delivers services and works, and how it engages with the community.”

Council said community feedback led to several changes in the framework including making human rights an overarching foundation of the framework, recognising climate change impacts and including climate justice as a key commitment, and providing a clearer explanation of intersectionality and how it’s applied.

MY PLACE

Kate Newitt is the principal of the recently de-merged Hillside Primary School. She spoke to Sam Porter about her role and her connection to the wider community.

What’s your connection to Brimbank and Melton?

My connection to Brimbank-Melton is through the incredible families and students of Hillside Primary School. Every day I see the pride, resilience and generosity that define this community. It’s a place where families work hard, support one another and value education.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time in the area?

During the 10 years I lived in Taylors Hill, my children were quite young, so we spent a lot of time at the local parks in the area. Places like Taylors Hill Park became part of our weekly routine, whether it was for playground time, meeting other families, or simply enjoying the oval spaces to play sports. We also regularly visited the skate park at Taylors Hill Community Centre, which was a great spot for the kids to stay active and connect with others in the neighbourhood. During that period of our lives, I really valued the sense of community in Taylors Hill and Hillside.

What, if anything, would you change about the area?

If I were to suggest improvements, I would like to see more local cafés, family-friendly dining options, and small businesses within the Taylors Hill-Hillside area so residents don’t always need to travel to neighbouring suburbs. As the community continues to grow, enhanced traffic management and road infrastructure would help ease congestion during peak times.

while there are wonderful parks and open spaces, expanding community programs, youth activities, and events would further strengthen the sense of connection in the area.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

Something people are often surprised to learn about me is that I began boundary

umpiring AFL football at just 10 years old. What started at a junior level quickly grew into something much bigger, eventually leading me to field umpiring at a senior level. Over the course of my umpiring journey, I officiated more than 400 games, which was an incredible experience and a huge commitment from such a young age. As I progressed, I also became involved in mentoring programs, coaching and

supporting young umpires as they developed their skills. I regularly ran workshops in schools to encourage young people to get involved in umpiring and to see it as a positive and rewarding pathway within the game. It was a significant and rewarding period of my life. Being a teenage girl in what can often be a challenging environment taught me resilience, confidence, leadership, and the ability to handle pressure. The skills I gained through umpiring have stayed with me ever since and continue to influence both my personal and professional life.

What are you most looking forward to about being principal of the recently-demerged school?

I’m most looking forward to continuing to build a school culture that reflects the values of our community; respect, inclusion, high expectations and care for one another. At Hillside Primary School, we place strong emphasis on both learning and wellbeing. Our literacy and numeracy programs ensure students build strong foundations, while our wellbeing and student leadership opportunities help them grow in confidence and character. As a new or recently demerged school, we have a wonderful opportunity to shape traditions, strengthen partnerships with families and create a shared vision for the future. I’m excited to work alongside our staff and community to ensure every child feels known, supported and proud to be part of Hillside Primary School. It’s a special time for our school, and I feel very privileged to be leading it.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago 26 February, 1986

Angry Deer Park residents have slammed the federal government’s $6 million Kororoit Creek beautification job scheme, describing it as a “most gross waste of money”.

30 years ago 28 February, 1996

A new federal government feasibility study on rail could open the gates of change in the City of Brimbank.

20 years ago 28 February, 2006

Construction workers have voted to ban renovations at the Sunshine pool as their unions got behind residents in the fight to save the facility.

10 years ago 23 February, 2016

VicRoads could acquire “parts of” up to 26 properties for a proposed 16-kilometre six-lane road connecting the Calder and Western freeways.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Harrick’s Cottage and Police Hut Open Day

Keilor Historical Society is hosting an open day, launching its publication and exhibition about ‘early transport in the Keilor region’. It will be an opportunity for locals to learn about transport from the 1850s gold rush to today in the Keilor region. There will also be displays, information, tours and food stalls on the day. The event will run from 12.30-4.30pm on Saturday 14 March at 152 Harrick Road, Keilor Park.

 Fred, 0418 170 372

Business clean up day

Join locals and members of the Brooklyn Recycling Group, in partnership with Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek and Melbourne Water, for a clean up event ahead of Clean Up Australia day. The event will run from 9.15-10.30am on Friday 27 February. Sign in from 9am at 174 Old Geelong Road, Brooklyn. Parking available. Please bring gloves and a water bottle.

 Lisa, 0433 559 530 or brooklynrecyclinggroup@outlook.com

Clean Up St Albans

As part of clean up Australia day, locals will be removing litter and rubbish in the St Albans area. Individuals, families and groups are all welcome to join. Please bring gloves and a water bottle. Bags and tongs will be provided. The clean up event will run from 9.30-11am on Sunday 1 March, meeting at Errington Reserve (near the playground next to the Tin Shed on Main Road East).

 Lisa, 0433 559 530

Community festival

Come and enjoy an afternoon at a community festival in HV McKay Memorial Gardens. There will be free face painting, a fitness corner including local sporting clubs, games, prizes, activities, local multicultural performances, as well as food, coffee, cold beverages and ice cream. Presented by the Friends of HV McKay Memorial Gardens and supported by Brimbank council, the festival will run from noon-5pm on Sunday 1 March.

Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups is offering help and hope to anyone living in an unhappy home because a loved one drinks too much. There are no contracts to sign, just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected. Confidential meetings held at the Delahay Community Centre, 70 Copperfield Drive every Wednesday, from 1-2.30pm. New members welcome. No appointment necessary.

 Helpline, 1300 252 666

St Albans senior citizens

St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-2pm. Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day.

 Roma, 0435 991 064

Caroline Springs Rotary

The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall, from 7pm.

 rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

Musicians Wanted

Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Do you play Woodwind, Brass or Percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? Rehearsals are held Saturday

mornings during school terms, 9am-noon, at Braybrook College.

 westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Deer Park Lions Club

Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new members. It holds dinner meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the Deer Park Senior Citizens Club, 119 Station Road, Deer Park.

 Michael, 0417 307 572

Avondale Heights Probus Club

The club meets at Doyle Street Community Centre, Avondale Heights on the third Wednesday of the month at 9.30am. For retired or semi-retired people. The club offers lunches, bus trips, card and games days, walking groups. New members welcome.

 Vee, 0400 886 758

Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning

Join Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning, a free, evidence-based early education program that combines music, play, and

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of comedians Geoff Paine and Ross Daniels. (Damjan Janevski) 534644_01

connection for families with children aged 0-5 years. Running for eight weeks, on Tuesdays, 10.30am-12.30pm, this program is designed to incorporate singing, stories, and fun activities to support your child’s development. Running from February 11 onwards at the Sunshine Heights Playgroup Centre, 105 Glengala Road.

 9663 6733, or events@ds.org.au

Crafternoons

Duke Street Community House is inviting locals to a free adult social opportunity to get together and be creative. Learn a new craft or bring along your own craft projects. Tuesdays during school terms, 12.30-2.30pm, at the Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine.

 9311 9973, or dukest@dsch.org.au

Over 50’s club

The Keilor Over 50’s Recreation Club meets at Kealba Hall, 24 McShane Drive, Kealba, on Tuesdays, from 10am-3pm, and Wednesdays, from 7-10pm. Have a coffee

and a chat, play social table tennis, pool and card games, go on organised outings and enjoy barbecues. First two visits are free then annual membership fees apply.  Graeme, 0404 809 640, keilorover50@ gmail.com, or www.keilorover50.com.au

Sunshine Community Brass

Sunshine Community Brass is looking for trumpet and percussion players to join its vibrant band of musicians. With more than 90 years of history, the band rehearses at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine, on Tuesdays, from 7.30pm.

 Andrew, 0419 444 620

Deer Park Probus Club

The Deer Park Probus Club meets at the Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, Deer Park on the second Wednesday of the month from February to December. Meet at 10am followed by lunch available from 12pm. The club offers bus trips, lunches, morning melodies etc. New members welcome.

 0427 495 584

Eskimo Joe heads west

Australia’s beloved alt-rock power trio Eskimo Joe are sure to have audiences up on their feet when they headline the Lincoln Park Twilight Festival.

Held on Saturday 28 February at Lincoln Park, Essendon, the free festival is sure to be a destination live-music event for the west.

Twilight Festival is set to rock as Eskimo Joe celebrates 20 years of their award-wining album Black Fingernails, Red Wine, while also performing their recent singles.

They will be joined by rising alt poprock group Joan & the Giants, fresh off Australian tours supporting Pink and The Fray.

Crowd favourite DJ Be Kind to Other People will return, hitting the decks to get the party started.

Local emerging pop singer Ken Shing rounds out the line-up with his upbeat tunes.

The event will be hosted by popular radio and television personality Zan Rowe.

The sport of kings gallops into Werribee

What many call the sport of kings will be on full display at Werribee Park as the historic Urquhart Cup polo tournament gallops into town on Sunday 1 March.

More than 50 competitors aged 13 to 73 will be battling for the silverware in Victoria’s premier open-handicap event.

About 200 horses, many retrained thoroughbreds associated with Racing Victoria’s Off The Track program, will take the field in the mixed gender event.

Families and thrill-seekers are invited to enjoy a team sport that combines

the speed of racing, the precision of golf and the physicality of rugby.

Heritage and horsepower will blend as friendly yet fierce rivalries will ensue.

The games will be played ‘off-scratch’, meaning no handicap headstarts are given to lower-rated teams so that only raw skill determines the winner.

This year, veteran Australian captain Jack ‘Ruki’ Baillieu will lead defending champions Mingela against a field of rising talent including German-Argentine prodigy Franz Spurgin, France’s Dorian Butteau and New Zealand’s Jimmy Wood.

The tournament is presented by

Hexham Polo Club, founded in Victoria’s Western District in 1884 and Australia’s oldest continuously operating polo club.

Established in 1935, the Urquhart Cup honours one of Australian polo’s founding families.

Angus Urquhart rode in Victoria’s very first polo match at Warrnambool in 1874 – less than 40 years after the colony was established.

Gates open at 11am for the John Kelly Shield, followed by the Merrang Cup and Palmer Cup, before the Urquhart Cup championship final from late afternoon.

Have a transcendental experience as Merzbow brings noise

For almost five decades now, Tokyo-based artist Merzbow has held an undisputed position as the iconic forefather of noise music.

It’s said his work, which catapults the listener into an utterly unfamiliar but wholly compelling cosmos of sound, has grown over time to represent one of the most fully realised music projects to have emerged in contemporary sound.

Merzbow’s concerts are the stuff of legend; they exist as near-transcendental experiences where the body and ears are consumed by a mass of sound the likes of which

are almost impossible to describe. And soon, this experience will come to the inner west as Merzbow plays The Substation in Newport on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March.

For both shows, Merzbow will be joined by fellow vibrationalist Lawrence English. Known for work that tests at the very edges of harmonic ambience and low energy sound pressure, English’s live performances evoke a sense of unerring speculative atmospheres – a dense and physically affecting sonic fog.

There will be plenty on offer for the whole family, including children’s activities, roaming activations, entertainment, food, and more. Grab your family and friends, pack a picnic, sit back and enjoy a freetwilight concert

Twilight Festival will run from 5-9.30pm.

Details: mvcc.vic.gov.au/twilight

Autumn fest returns

Ballan’s favourite community festival is set to return for its 50th annual event on Sunday 15 March, celebrating local culture, creativity, and community.

The Ballan Autumn Festival is one of the oldest regional country fairs in the Moorabool Shire, with around 5000 people flocking to the festival each year. This year’s festival is promising to be one of the best ever, complete with a centre stage for live entertainment, surrounded by artisanal market stalls, and plenty of seating and shade in the festival’s food court.

Inglis Street is set to come alive from early morning with market stalls, live performers, local producers and community groups, all culminating in the much-loved street parade, a colourful showcase of regional creativity, schools, clubs and local businesses.

The festival is also set to boast more than 100 market stalls, with a focus on handmade and homegrown goods and wares.

Festival president Kevin Harper says the 50th year carries particular significance.

“For half a century this festival has brought people together - families, farmers, artists, volunteers, children, and grandparents - all sharing one main street and one great sense of community,”

“In a time when so much of life feels rushed and divided, the Ballan Autumn Festival reminds us what regional Victoria does best , we gather, we celebrate, and we look after one another. This 50th anniversary isn’t just about looking back. It’s about showing that community still matters and that the community has a very bright future.”

Volunteers are also being encouraged to step forward to help deliver this landmark event. Even two hours of time makes a meaningful difference.

Combined with Merzbow’s full-spectrum eruption, both shows promise sound at its deepest, densest and most profound.

Concert goers are warned that these shows, unsurprisingly, contain sustained loud noises as well as haze, and flashing lights.

However, both shows will be presented in low lighting only.

It’s a standing event, though wheelchair access will be available.

Details: https://thesubstation.org.au/ program/merzbow-australia-2026#tickets

Details: www.ballanautumnfestival. com.au

SPORTS QUIZ

1. US golfer Anthony Kim won the 2026 edition of which LIV Golf tournament?

2. Which NRLW player won the Trish Hina Medal at the 2026 Maori All Stars v Indigenous All Stars match?

3. Sixth-tier club Macclesfield FC defeated

4. Which Western Australia player won the Graham Moss Medal at the 2026 AFL Origin match?

5. Which Victoria player won the E.J. Whitten Medal at the 2026 AFL Origin match?

6. Marc Kennedy represented which country in curling at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Which Portland Trail Blazers player won the 3-Point Contest held during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend?

Which Miami Heat player won the Slam Dunk Contest held during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend?

The short-lived 1991 US cartoon television show ProStars featured the likenesses of which three athletes?

Which Australian tennis player won the 2026 Rotterdam Open men's singles title?

11. In rock climbing, what does the term ‘crux’ mean?

12. Prior to adopting his iconic number 7 jersey, what number did Cristiano Ronaldo wear?

13. Which Mexican-born runner mistakenly thought she had another lap remaining before winning bronze at the 2025 World Athletics Championships?

14. And in doing so, she secured the firstever World Athletics Championships medal for which country?

15. What is considered to be the national sport of Greece?

16. Who was awarded the John Eales medal (Wallabies player of the year) for 2025?

17. In which year did Victoria and an All-Stars side last face off in a State of Origin match?

18. And what was that match raising funds for?

19. Cool Runnings follows the Jamaican bobsleigh team at which year’s Winter Olympic Games?

20. In which country is the world’s longest golf course?

21. Who captained Western Australia during the AFL’s recent State of Origin?

22. What is the nickname of Darts champion Phil Taylor?

23. How many teams play in the Australian Ice Hockey League?

24. Which NBA and AFL team respectively go by the moniker ‘Suns’?

25. Which AFLW team was the inaugural premier?

26. What is the nickname of the Australian team in the Fed Cup?

27. Which team are the current reigning NBL champions?

28. Which actors play the two main characters in the 2007 film Blades of Glory?

29. And which sport is the focus of that film?

30. True or false: silly mid-off is a fielding position in cricket?

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au

ACROSS

1 Tinned meat (4)

3 Collection and study of data (10)

10 Fluids (7)

11 Make a big profit (coll) (5,2)

12 Manliness (8)

13, 25-down Carnival and parade (5,4)

14 Frustrate (4)

15 Synchronous (10)

18 Unnecessary (9)

20 Unattractive (4)

21 Bonus (5)

23 Dormant (8)

26 Whistleblower, Edward – (7)

27 One who does parkour (7)

28 Skilled craftsmen or inventors (10)

29 Requests (4) DOWN

1 Old sailor (coll) (4)

2 Quietly comply (9)

4 Evidence (9)

5 In bad taste (5)

6 Kitchen utensil (7)

7 Part of a target (5)

8 Use of false, but clever arguments (9)

9 Woman’s calf-length clothing (4)

14 Indigestion (9)

16 Transformer (9)

17 Designer of goods and structures (9)

19 In support of (2,3,2)

22 Fish (5)

23 Of sound waves (5)

24 Fuel cut from bogs (4)

25 See 13-across

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

1 Casablanca is a port city in which African country?

2 Who holds the record of Australia’s shortest prime ministership of eight days?

3 Which actor starred as Roger Thornhill in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 spy thriller North by Northwest?

4 Mary Ann Evans, one of the leading writers of

5

6

7 A loganberry is a hybrid of which two berries?

8 What was the name of the Australian post-punk band whose members included Nick Cave and Mick Harvey?

9 Claret is a shade of which colour?

10 Which country has hosted the most Olympic Games?

The stars are all aligning

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Great Wall’s Haval H6 PHEV is the third plug-in hybrid that we have driven in as many weeks.

Dating back to 2011, the third generation H6 made its debut at the 2020 Chengdu Motor Show.

And, all jokes aside, it’s the first Haval to sit on the ‘Lemon’ platform – we kid you not.

H6 is GWM’s all-time, best-selling model, with more than 4 million sales globally.

The plug-in version was added in 2021, with a new-look front and available in petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid form.

“Every inch of the H6 has been meticulously considered,” we’re told.

Styling

There’s an H6 for just about everyone, with prices ranging from $35,990 for the entry level petrol model through to $50,990 for the top-of-the-line plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive.

The standard, self-charging hybrid is priced from $40,990, while you can get into the plug-in version from as little as $44,990. Premium paint adds $495 to the price.

Plug-in hybrids have really taken off in the Australian market with the arrival of cheaper, more accessible Chinese models.

The attraction is their versatility, with their ability to operate in pure electric or fuel-saving petrol-electric mode – without any range fears.

H6’s Chinese competitors include the BYD Sealion 6 and Geely Starray EM-i. These wagons are all roughly around the same price and offer the same kind of performance and range.

Our test vehicle, the front-drive H6 Ultra PHEV is priced from $47,990.

All-wheel drive takes this figure to $50,990 – all prices before on-road costs.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a turbocharged engine was introduced here with the facelift in July 2025.

Up front, the cascading grille carries the Haval logo, thankfully no longer in garish red.

At the rear, the full-width light bar has been replaced by sharply angled, individual tail lights giving the wagon a more contemporary look.

However, the ‘Haval’ badge at the back has been replaced with ‘GWM’, reflecting the brand’s transition to a single, unified identity.

Of greater note, the facelift saw the introduction of GWM’s AT1 program (Australian Tuning) that draws on the skills of former Holden engineer Rob Trubiani to tune ride and handling.

It’s the same path taken by both Kia and Hyundai years ago, and could turn out to be a game changer for the brand.

H6 is the first model to benefit from this tuning and it shows in spades.

Standard kit includes artificial leather and two-zone climate air, with rear outlets, power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats, with driver-seat memory and a heated steering wheel.

There are also 19-inch alloys, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, LED lights all-round, auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear privacy glass, electric tailgate and panoramic sunroof.

The PHEV comes with rear parking sensors, but for some strange reason misses out on sensors for the front.

H6 is converted by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, along with

an eight-year unlimited-kilometre battery pack warranty. There’s also five-year roadside assistance and five-year capped price servicing.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a 14.6-inch touchscreen powered by the GWM’s Coffee OS.

There’s Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, built-in satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus eight-speaker audio (PHEVs boost the number of speakers to nine).

Telematics provides remote access and control of various vehicle functions.

Two USB A-ports are provided in the front, a USB-A and USB-C port in the rear, and a dashcam port located near the mirror, with 12-volt sockets in the front and in the luggage area, along with wireless phone charging.

Safety

H6 carries a full five-star safety rating from ANCAP.

In order to confirm integrity of the battery and safety of high voltage electrical systems in hybrid and PHEV variants, additional frontal offset and oblique pole tests were conducted.

As a result, the previous five-star safety rating was extended to all petrol, hybrid, and PHEV variants of H6.

Seven airbags are standard, including a centre airbag to stop those in the front from banging heads in a side impact crash.

A 360-degree camera with 180 degree overhead transparent chassis view is fitted.

Autonomous emergency braking applies to car-to-car, vulnerable road user and junction assist scenarios.

There are also blind spot alert and a lane support system with lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and emergency lane keeping, plus an advanced speed assistance system that keeps to current speed limits.

Engines/transmissions

The hybrid powertrain in the H6 PHEV produces 240kW of power and 540Nm of torque in front-wheel drive form, with a dual-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.

With all-wheel drive, this rises to 268kW and 760kW, giving it a 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds.

Either way, they’re impressive figures.

Driving

H6 is a mid-sized, five-seat wagon that is 4703mm long, with a 27638mm wheelbase and between 560 and 1445 litres of luggage capacity – the latter with rear seats folded.

Apart from real leather trim (Comfort-Tek is a euphemism for artificial), there’s not much missing from the equipment list.

Oddly, that is, except for rear parking sensors and automatic parking which are unaccountably missing in this grade.

A column-mounted gear selector frees up space on the centre console for additional storage and provides space for the wireless phone charger.

Like the Geely, a small 10.25-inch screen sits above the steering column and serves as the instrument cluster.

An automatically activated parking brake adds to ease of use.

With a 55-litre tank, H6 takes standard 91 RON unleaded.

Claimed fuel consumption with a fully charged battery is 1.0L/100km (1.1L for AWD).

If you’re slack and let the battery run down, consumption rises to 5.0L/100km (5.3L for AWD).

Sadly, we confess to being apathetic and were getting 5.9L/100km after more than 250km of driving.

With energy consumption at 18.4 kWh/100km, the PHEV has a pure electric driving range of 106km or 100km for the AWD version.

Unfortunately, these figures are under the older, more lenient NEDC test regime, that car companies continue to quote because

they look better in print.

A WLTP figure of 80km is closer to the mark.

The 19.09 kWh battery can be charged from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in 28 minutes using a DC charger (at a rate of 34kW), or from 15 per cent to 100 per cent using an AC charger in under three hours (at 6.6kW).

Who we wonder wants to half-charge their battery when that presumably means half the range too?

The hybrid system operates in both series or parallel mode, powering the wheels or battery, with EV, EV Priority and Intelligent Hybrid modes.

There’s also the usual drive mode options: Normal, Eco, Sport or Snow.

Steering weight can be adjusted, with comfortable, sport or light settings.

There is also adjustable regenerative braking with the option of one-pedal driving – although the latter does not bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

Driving the H6 PHEV feels much like its competitors around town, but with a bit more get up and go.

Find some twisty roads, however, turn up the wick and the wagon comes to life, with braking and handling that is superior to its Chinese compatriots.

Handling is safe, predictable and planted, with strong mid-range throttle response and impressive braking.

The wagon has a substantial, dare we say Commodore, feel, absorbing bumps rather than crashing over them, with very little rebound.

Whatever Great Wall is paying Mr Trubiani, it’s money in the bank.

But it’s not all peaches and cream. The interior feels drab and dated in comparison to competitors, with too many features controlled from the touchscreen, taking attention away from the road.

Then there’s the annoying driver seatbelt which must be locked in before the brakes will release and the wagon can move off. It’s a great idea, safety-wise that is, but not a very practical one.

The throttle exhibits some overrun, evident as the car continues to accelerate after lifting off the accelerator, forcing the driver to brake – sometimes hurriedly.

This can be unnerving in stop-start traffic and parking behind another vehicle on a steepish driveway, where the car tends to leap forward on liftoff, threatening to ram the car in front.

The column-mounted transmission lever has another trap waiting where it is possible to put the car into reverse if you mistake the gear lever for the indicator stalk with your foot on the brake (e.g. queuing for a left-hand turn).

With little in the way of labelling it took some time to work out how to engage cruise control which as it turns out is via – you guessed it – the gear selector.

Head-up display as usual is almost invisible with polarised sunglasses and the power-operated tailgate often refused to respond to the key fob. Other than this the PHEV is a keeper.

Braked towing capacity is 1500kg. A tyre repair kit is provided in the event of a flat tyre.

Summing up

Of the three so-called ‘super hybrids’ that we’ve driven in recent weeks, H6 is the more expensive but dynamically better. It’s let down by a drab, rather uninspiring cabin fitout and in this regard, some contrasting trim would help to break the monotony.

Beauty is however in the eye of the beholder.

Sport around the grounds

Finals spots were on the line on Saturday, while several local clubs qualified for bowls grand finals. Star Weekly photographer

some

Cricket star on the rise loves the challenge of the game

By Peter Howe

“I love the beauty of playing cricket,” reflects this month’s Don Deeble Sports Star award winner.

Jasmine Kamboj was only six when she became restless watching her older brother and father playing cricket and wanted to play.

Milo cricket enticed her before she joined mixed teams in the under-10s and under-12s with Sydenham-Hillside.

“I love the team environment cricket provides, meeting new friends and being challenged on the field,” she said.

Kamboj has had a meteoric rise through cricket ranks.

She was selected in North West Metropolitan Cricket Association rep teams three years in a row, including captain one year.

Kamboj was selected as an all-rounder in her early matches, making her first hundred in her under-14 representative year.

“It was pretty cool. I still really can’t believe it.”

Jasmine Kamboj. (Supplied)

Kamboj was then selected for Victoria in the under-16 and under-19 National Championships which again saw her standout.

However it was after playing in the Victoria Premier Cricket Marg Jennings Cup, Kamboj was identified as an emerging

pace bowler by Cricket Victoria.

Kamboj bowls consistently at 110km/h and has a top speed of 115km/h.

“I am not sure why I can bowl so fast, it has been a natural progression,” she said.

“There is some suggestion that I am hyper flexible that gives me the extra pace.”

At 14 she was playing senior women’s cricket with Sydenham-Hillside and Melton Centrals.

She then moved to Premier Cricket with Carlton playing in their second and third XI.

Kamboj was selected in an under-19 Australian team to tour Sri Lanka in September at just 15 last year.

“It was an amazing learning experience, to play in another country against international talent,” she said.

“I was one of the youngest players to be selected.”

Once she returned, she spent the WBBL pre-season with the Melbourne Stars and played in some of their warm up games.

“I was bowling to players I only watched on TV,” she said.

“I played with Meg Lanning in the T20 Spring Challenge in Sydney.

Eagles’ flying start

By Tara Murray

North Sunshine Eagles remain focused on being competitive each week and letting the results take care of themselves in the Victorian Premier League 1 competition.

Coming off a finals appearance last season in their first season in the VPL1 competition, the Eagles have strengthened their squad for the 2026 season.

Eagles coach Ben Isai said it had been good to get back out on the pitch.

“It was obviously positive to start with a win away from home,” he said.

“It’s been a challenging pre-season with a few departures and that was something that we needed to work through.

“We feel like we have a balanced squad that we are happy with.”

Isai said they had five players from last season not return.

He said they had looked to fill those gaps with recruits while they also promoted several players from their under-23s and pathways program.

Among the signings for the Eagles include visa player Julien Barras who will play full back,

Hayden Cross from Manningham, Korean Minchan Kim, Obiora Eze from Hume CIty and Mohamad El Hawli from Altona Magic.

Kevin Larson, another visa player, is set to join the club in the coming weeks.

Isai said they felt they have depth across every position and there was real competition for spots early in the season.

They started the season with a 2-1 win against Langwarrin.

Kim scored the winner just after half time.

“The second half [of round one] was a good reaction from being one nil down,“ Isai said.

Isai said their focus for this season remains the same as it has the past few weeks.

“Again we want to be competitive in every game,” he said. “It’s a tough league, VPL1.

“Let’s make sure we’re really competitive every game and have the opportunity to win every game.

“If it’s better than last year we’re happy with it.”

The Eagles were back in action on Saturday against North Geelong Warriors, after deadline.

Isai said at this time of year there was

still a real unknown about every side.

“We’ve got our first home game at Larissa Reserve and hopefully we get a decent crowd,” he said. “Hopefully we can go 2-0 and have a great start to 2026.”

Isai said while busy things were going well across the club and they were keen to get their junior seasons underway as well.

“I still can’t believe that. I was playing with women I’d pay to go and watch.”

Kamboj attends Maribyrnong Sports Academy and believes that their program of strength and conditioning has helped her bowling:

Kamboj, plays or trains six days a week, even choosing to play in an underage competition on Tuesday nights with her friends.

On Saturdays, she has personal one-on-one coaching sessions.

“My strength is my ability to bowl fast, but my weakness is to consistently put it into areas that will get batters out. I think I am improving.”

Kamboj’s next goal is to be selected in the 2027 under-19 World Cup squad.

“That would be amazing.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers. If you would like to nominate a monthly winner, emailing swrsportsclub@gmail. com or 0408 556 631.

Lions through

Deer Park will be hoping to go one better after winning through to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association group A T20 grand finals.

Last year’s runners-up, the Lions sent a big message in their semi final win against Airport West St Christophers on Thursday night.

The Lions were bowled out for 205 with three balls remaining after deciding to bat.

Upul Bandara top scored for the Lions with 89 off just 29 balls. He scored 10 sixes and five fours.

The Saints top order looked strong but the target proved too much as it finished 3-172.

Jair McAllister took two wickets for the Lions.

The Lions will face the Williamstown Imperials in the grand final, after the Imperials accounted for Keilor.

The Imperials, the only non-senior division side left in the final four, made 9-147 from their overs.

Tom Burton was the star with 74 off 52 balls.

Isuru Yaddehige took 3-19 for Keilor. After losing an early wicket, Keilor managed to get going.

Every time it got a partnership going, wickets would fall.

The Blues were bowled out for 101 in the 17th over.

Luke Delbridge top scored with 28.

Tristan Alsop and Andrew Hendry took three wickets each for the Imperials.

In group B, Point Cook will face Glenroy in the grand final. The Warriors batted first against Barkly St Uniting, making 5-170 from their overs. Pavan Bade top scored with 45 at the top of the order.

The Dragons had a lot of starts in their innings but no one could go on with it. The Dragons finished 8-147. Aidan Brophy top scored with 28 before being run out. Shafraz Mohamed took 3-25 from the Warriors.

In the other semi final, Glenroy was too good for Burnside Springs United. Glenroy made 8-131. Matthew Sanders took 3-19 for Burnside.

In other matches on the weekend, the Melbourne Knights were in action against Melbourne Victory and Western United against Northcote City, with both games after deadline.

In NPL action, Green Gully and Caroline Springs George Cross did battle and St Albans was due to face Preston Lions.

Burnside had a solid start and at 4-97 was well and in the game. It then lost 6-14 to be all out for 111 in the 19th over.

Sumedha Gamage top scored with 25 before being run out.

New challenge for Eagles

By Tara Murray

It’s a new era for Keilor Park as it plays in the National Premier League women’s competition for the first time.

After building over a number of years, the Eagles have finally achieved their goal of playing in the state’s top flight this season.

Coach Liam Drury said that it was an exciting time for everyone.

“It’s a special season,” he said. “It’s been really cool and so much preparation for it.

“For a lot of them it’s the first time playing at this level and it’s a special season for the club being their first time.

“It’s the first time for me being head

coach in this league. We take pride in that.”

The Eagles squad this season is very different to the one that saw them promoted after last season.

Drury said they were hoping to build a squad for the future with a lot of good young talent among the group.

He said a number of players didn’t want to go up into the NPLW competition and this season was a bit of a rebuild for the future.

“It is a really young squad,” he said. “For lots of the players it’s a good opportunity to have their first chance and look to step up for the first time.

“I’ve got good knowledge of the 18-21

age bracket and brought in the right players with some big talent.”

Drury said Tamsyn Smith is one player who has stayed on and stepped into a leadership role this season.

Among the signings for the Eagles are Abby Holmes and Maggie Lena, who are experienced players with international pedigree, Japanese pair An Sugamori and Runa Komidori, Ameera Makunja and Summer Caponecchia.

The Eagles kicked off their time in the NPLW against local rival Spring Hills.

The match finished in a 1-1 draw with Drury saying it was the most physical game they’d played in for a long time.

Western Warriors look for consistency

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors are hoping a bit more consistency will push them into the Victorian Netball League finals for the first time.

The Warriors have finished with six wins in each of their first two seasons but have struggled to match it week in, week out.

Last season they dropped several games that they should have won.

Warriors coach Kim Bailey said they had looked to add some more depth across the court.

“It’s really exciting and it’s been a long pre-season,” she said. “We’re ready to go.

“We’re looking pretty good and I think we have strengthened our defence line.

“Megan Allen will make a big difference in regards to physicality.

“Finn [Fionnuala Mckeagney-Stubbs ] adds a different dimension in the defence line as well.

“Mia Lavis in attack has been working really hard with Kim Borger. Kali Dolphin has been incredible in the mid-court and I’m excited to see what she can do.”

Borger had announced her retirement from VNL after last season, but will play this season as well as being an assistant coach for the 23 and unders.

She will replace Rebecca Hicks who can’t commit to playing after moving to the country.

“Kim came out of retirement to help us,” Bailey said.

“Her fitness is the best I’ve seen in a long time. There’s more different combinations with her and Mia and there has been a really good success.

“It’s always been seamless with her and Poppy [Douglass].”

Bailey said having Ruby Shannon back at full fitness would help them massively in the midcourt after she missed several weeks with an ankle injury last year.

Olivia Ellis is another who will return from injury and help the defensive midcourt position.

Allen makes the move from England to play for the Warriors, having played in the English Netball Super League.

“She sent out an email saying she wanted to come out and play and did we have any

Drury said they were happy to take home a point and were looking ahead to their round two match with Alamein on Saturday, which was after deadline.

He said that match would be a good test which they were excited for.

Drury said they were keen to build into the season and see where it took them.

“We’re a new team looking to have a good run at the start of the season,” he said. “Number one is to not be in the bottom two and we want to push higher.

“We would love that. We know that it’s a hard league.”

Spring Hills was also due to face Melbourne City on Saturday.

Sport shorts

Western FL

Sunshine Kangaroos have signed Brodie Davis for the 2026 Western Football League division 1 season. An intercept-rebounding defender, Davis joins the Kangaroos from Canberra and recently completing a training block with Victorian Football League club Williamstown. “Brodie is a quality individual that works hard and wants to improve,” the Kangaroos said. “His maturity defies his age, and he is already seen as a leader in the making.”

Western FL

Caroline Springs have lost Lewis Tudor ahead of the Western Football League division 1 season. The Sunbury Lions announced that Tudor would join them for the Ballarat Football League season. Tudor, who was named as one of the Lakers best in their grand final loss last season, played 18 games last year and was named in the best five times. He had been at the Lakers since 2013 having crossed from Keilor.

VNL

spots,” Bailey said.

“We had a couple of chats on teams and watched some footage and it was very impressive.

“We’ve been delighted with how she has fitted in with the group.”

The Warriors have a number of practice matches lined up before the season gets underway on 11 March.

Bailey said consistency would be the biggest key for them.

“We need to make sure to get over the line in close games to make finals,” she said.

“We know we can make finals.

“We know how to buckle down and do what we need to do.”

Meanwhile, Bailey said they had kept the core group of their under-23s together and added some more depth.

She said Charlize Bellette, who joins from Geelong, in attack and Taylah Easton, who is an Australian under-19 squad member, in defence would make a difference.

“The girls didn’t finish as high as we would have liked,” she said.

“Another year under their belts in VNL will hopefully make a difference.”

The Western Warriors have suffered a blow with midcourter Simona Di Filippo headed across the country to continue her netball career. Di Filippo, an inaugural player at the Warriors, was set to play a key role in this year’s Victorian Netball League championship season. “Simona has worked incredibly hard to establish herself within the Victorian netball community, and we are thrilled to share that she has been offered a contract across the water in Western Australia, where she will take the next step in her playing career,” the Warriors said. “As a valued member of our inaugural championship side, Simona has demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism, and loyalty to the Warriors brand.” Kiara Boyd will step up from the 23-and-under side to fill the void.

Western FL

Braybrook has added some young talent to its squad for the Western Football League division 2 season. Joel Croswell is a 19-year-old, 180 centimetre defender who the Brookers say reads the game exceptionally well. Lewis Clifford, 20, is a dynamic 170 centimetre forward-mid with the Brookers saying his pace and agility bring added tenacity around the contest and relentless pressure inside the forward line.”

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Lions bounce back to form

By Tara Murray

It was a return to form for Taylors Lakes on Saturday, but it might be a little bit too late in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west.

Having dropped a couple of games in recent weeks, the Lions needed everything to go right in the final two rounds to make finals.

While the Lions are on top against Mt Waverley after day one, other results aren’t looking as friendly.

They sit a game outside the top six with two rounds remaining.

Lions coach Peter Brasher said it was good to see the group perform like they

did on Saturday.

He said they played more like the way they wanted to play every week.

“The Williamstown game was disappointing and against Spotswood, I didn’t think we were terrible, we were beaten by a better team.

“We were able to bounce back yesterday [Saturday] and make 320 after being in trouble at 3-35 or 3-40.”

Brasher said it looked like it would be another tough day early on when they lost those three early wickets.

He said their middle order of their big names, Steffan Roberts, Nilan Fernando and Shijit Chandran Poovathingal, really stood up when it was needed

“The middle order needed to consolidate and keep batting and not lose any wickets,” he said.

“We needed to set up the batting to be able to attack in the afternoon session and that was the way that it played out.

“We set it up in the end.”

The Lions finished the day at 7-320.

Roberts made 69, Fernando 60 and Chandran Poovathingal made 51.

Brasher said had one of them gone on to make a 100 it would have capped off the day.

Aidan Brasher (24 not out off 14 balls) and Xavier Holt (36 not out off 38 balls) both attacked late to push the score past 300.

Peter Brasher said while they found themselves in a good position, Hoppers

Bulls into granny for second straight year

By Tara Murray

Keilor is hoping its second time lucky in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 2, section 1 grand final.

After making the decider last season before falling short to Bacchus Marsh, the Bulls are through to the final game of the season for a second straight year.

As well as the club’s top side winning through on Saturday, its third and fourth sides won through to grand finals as well.

Bulls’ president Joe Watkins said this is something that they’ve been working towards for a number of years.

“I’ve been here 18-19 years and this hasn’t happened in my time,” he said. “Many years ago we went six from six which was a fantastic effort.

“Ever since I’ve been chairman we’ve looked to boost the squad and be competitive in all our sides.

“Our main objective is to get our top side into division 1 and attract some more players.”

The club’s top side was at home in its semi final to Club Sunbury 2 on Saturday in the semi finals.

It was a hard fought contest with Keilor winning, 84 (14)-73 (4).

“There wasn’t much in it,” Watkins said.

“We were in front all day but they certainly had a crack and kept it close.

“We were able to keep it at eight or nine shots for most of the day. It was what you expect in finals, a real arm wrestle.”

Frank Bellino’s rink won 20-19, while Tony Davis’ rink had a big 30-12 win.

Mark Jacobsen’s rink lost 18-17 and Richard Kopcewicz’ rink lost 23-17.

Watkins said they had been hoping at the start of the season to see the division 2 side back in the grand final.

“Making two in a row, you can’t take anything for granted after last year,’ he said.

“We’re looking forward to it and have trained hard and are ready for next Saturday.”

A change in the competition format

Crossing, the side they need to lose, is also in one after day one of its match.

The Lions finish their season against Werribee, which is third on the ladder. He said they were just focused on finishing the season strongly and seeing where it takes them.

“We would have to have a decent win and still be one game behind, but close the percentage,” he said.

“You never know. It would be nice to have something to play for heading into the final game.

“A little bit of hope. We’ll look back on a couple of games that we let slip.

“We’ll do what we can do and see what happens, if it falls our way that’s good.”

Top spot up for grabs in VTCA

The minor premiership will be on the line in the final round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season.

Deer Park moved to top spot on Saturday, while the finals race is still alive heading into the final round, with third and fourth undecided. Having already claimed first innings points on day one of their clash with Sydenham-Hillside, the Lions sent a message on Saturday as they claimed an outright win.

The Lions ended day one at 3-163 in reply to 131.

They sent the Storm back in to start day two and were able to bowl them out for 154.

Anthony Alleyne top scored with 52 for the Storm.

Fawad Ahmed took 5-29 for the Lions.

The Lions then went in chase of the whole 10 points, finishing 5-125 off 14.5 overs.

Aaron Ayre finished with 53 not out off 36 balls.

The Lions now sit three points clear of Keilor heading into the final round.

The Storm must win in the final round and hope Yarraville Club losses to have any chance of making finals.

Keilor will finish in the top two alongside Deer Park after chasing down St Albans’ big total on Saturday.

The Saints had made 299 on day one of the match.

All the Blues batters got starts as they chased down the runs in the 78th over.

The Blues finished 6-300.

Cameron Thorley top scored with 67.

means that Keilor will host the grand final, instead of it being at a neutral green.

Watkins said they were hoping to have a big crowd down to watch the side in action.

“It’s a good thing to get a home final,” he said. “That is the advantage of finishing top.

“We’ve got a pretty good squad that are level headed and have worked hard. They deserve to be in the grand final.”

“They’re looking forward to it.”

Keilor will face Werribee in the grand final after the Bees beat Sunbury, 105 (18)-37 (0) in the preliminary final on Sunday.

The Bees have a win over the Bulls this season and have had plenty of good battles the past couple of seasons.

Watkins said it would be a good challenge and they’ll prepare themselves physically and mentally for the challenge.

Keilor’s third and fourth sides, which will be promoted after making the grand final, will have the week off before their grand finals.

Akila Isanka took 5-78 for the Saints.

Keilor will face Deer Park in the final round with the winner to finish on top after the regular season.

The Saints need to win in the final round and hope results go their way to play finals.